Inaugurated in 2008, the IPL has just got better with every passing year, as the brand of cricket has improved tenfold, along with the wide range of players that participate in each season, and not to forget the fans, for whom the viewing experience is seeing rapid changes.
The IPL (USD 16.8 million) is only behind the NFL (USD 36.8 million) in per-match value, but needs to work its way up to match its overall brand value with the likes of NFL and major European football leagues like the English Premier League (EPL).
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Going by the reports of the leading investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the valuation of the Indian Premier League stands at USD 16 million, while the valuation of a single NFL franchise like the Dallas Cowboys is around USD 9 million.
The longer windows of a particular league also play a huge part in pushing their valuation, as seen in the case of the English Premier League which runs from August to May.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner has brought his two cents on the idea of expansion of the cash-rich league.
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What did Mohit Burman say?
Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman recently spoke to Press Trust of India (PTI) about how the brand value of the Indian Premier League can increase if the league is extended from its usual 8-week schedule to a 12- to 16-week mega-fest.
"We're already second in the world when it comes to per-match value, just behind the NFL. But overall brand value? That's a different game. I think we need a 12-16-week window to get there. That gives us space to tell better stories, build rivalries, and create more value for everyone - fans, sponsors, broadcasters."
He further mentioned it's important to work on other things in the window, like content management and improving the fan experience.
"But it's not just about length. It's about what we do in that time - the kind of content we push out, how we engage fans year-round, how we build the league beyond the season. IPL has the scale. Now it's about consistency and depth."
Burman also mentioned that the IPL's dominance on the global stage is unmatched, but it needs to keep evolving to maintain its relevance at the top.
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"The IPL is already the biggest cricket product in the world, but staying there means not taking anything for granted. Player availability is crucial. We need a clean window where the best in the world can play without restrictions."
He also added that for the IPL to prosper, it doesn't need to be taken outside of India but needs stories that can connect with fans all around the world.
"The fan experience must keep evolving. It's not just about cricket anymore - its sport, entertainment, culture all rolled into one. We don't need to take the IPL abroad - what we do need is to build global relevance. Content, players, and stories that connect with fans across the world."
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has already developed into a global sensation but still has a long way to go before it can rival other top leagues in the world.